UK citizens are being warned against “all but essential” travel to Syria, after three weeks of unrest which have reportedly left 170 protesters dead.

The advice was issued in an update from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Middle East and North Africa Minister Alistair Burt said that security in the country was “deteriorating“. he also added that “We recommend that those in Syria exercise caution and maintain a high level of security awareness, particularly in public places and on the roads, and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.”